Jamaica Mon!

First of all, let me say, I sound ridiculous saying “Ya Mon”, but they throw the phrase around like rum and marriage certificates and expect you to, as well.  It’s one of those cultural colloquialisms like “cheers” in the UK or “prego” in Italy, so we played along with it (and the rum-drinking and the marriage-making). 

This was our first “all-inclusive” resort experience.  We stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites near Montego Bay.  Jamaica itself isn’t exactly a great country.  In fact, it’s a very poor, wealth-unbalanced member of the British commonwealth.  As such, the quality of the resort is critical.   Here’s my review by the basic categories (our of five stars):

• Overall property:  * * * *
• Front Desk staff:  * * *
• Pool and beach facilities:  * * * * *
• Food:  * * 1/2
• Internet speed: * *
• Popcorn at the bar:  * * * * *

We had our choice of rooms, and selected an ocean view suite with the view shown below.  It was pretty darn cool.

The pool (with swim up bar) was beautiful, clean, warm, and lively; but I couldn’t pass the opportunity to take this long exposure shot at night.  Very serene.

The Wedding
The whole reason for our trip was, surprisingly, not to explore all the drinks one can dream up with rum as an ingredient, but to stand up in Rick’s wedding (Aimee’s brother).  Representing his family, we joined friends and other family members to surround Rick and Alex as they took a leap of love into wedded bliss.

The picture below is from the rehearsal dinner at the Japanese restaurant.  We had traditional teppanyaki fare, with a subtle jerk flair.  Quite good actually!  You may ask, “Where’s Rick”?  I guess he heard the sunsets in Nigril are just not to be missed.

Here’s Aimee with Maya, the flower girl.

Rick and Alex seal the deal as they sign their Marriage Certificates (one of Jamaica’s most popular, legal exports), followed by some more pictures after the wedding.

  

Aside from swimming and drinking BBCs, we made good use of the fitness center and also went kayaking and sailing.  That’s right, I took out a catamaran in the Caribbean (for about 10 minutes). With my track record, I’m just happy we didn’t a) end up in Cuba or b) end up capsized.  For the full album, click here!

As the week winds down, we’re looking forward to more time with friends this weekend, massages with Megan, and continuing to get settled in Chicago.  To that, I say “Ya Mon!”